Tax Director (Newport Beach)

Overview

It’s more than what you do: it’s how you do it. That’s why O’Melveny is counsel of choice to an ever-expanding list of market leaders. Opportunity at O’Melveny means working alongside dynamic and team-oriented colleagues on evolving legal and business issues and opportunities for prominent clients around the world. It’s a place to build a rewarding career by tackling new challenges; being appreciated, included, and supported; and creating lasting connections. With approximately 850 lawyers on three continents, more than 80 practice and industry service areas, and strong cultural ties to its 17 locations, O’Melveny is a global law firm with a local feel. At our core, you’ll find a dedication to excellence, a drive to lead and innovate, and a deep sense of civic responsibility.

O’Melveny has an immediate opening for a Tax Director based in any of our California, New York, or Washington, DC office locations. This application is for our Newport Beach office.

Position and Reporting

The Tax Director serves as the firm’s senior in-house tax professional, with responsibility for all aspects of the firm’s tax compliance, planning, and strategy. Reporting to the Managing Director for Finance, this role leads the firm’s internal tax function, ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and international tax laws and regulations. The Tax Director oversees the Tax and Partner Payroll teams and collaborates closely with firm leadership, the broader finance organization, and external advisors to minimize the firm’s tax obligations, manage risk, and support the firm’s strategic and financial objectives.

Compensation

The salary range in California, New York City, and Washington, DC for this role is $250,000 - $370,000 and represents the firm’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Responsible for developing and executing the firm’s overall tax strategy in alignment with the firm’s business objectives and partnership structure. This includes overseeing the preparation and timely filing of all federal, state, local, and international tax returns, including partnership returns (Form 1065), partner K-1 schedules, and any related entity filings.
• Manages estimated tax payment calculations and distributions to partners, ensuring accuracy and adherence to applicable deadlines.
• Monitors legislative and regulatory developments affecting the firm and its partners, evaluates their impact, and recommends appropriate responses or planning strategies.
• Advises firm leadership and the partnership on tax-efficient structures for partner compensation, retirement plans, equity arrangements, lateral acquisitions, and other strategic transactions.
• Oversees transfer pricing, nexus analysis, and multi-state and international tax compliance as applicable to the firm’s operations.
• Manages all tax audits, examinations, and disputes with federal, state, and local taxing authorities, coordinating with outside counsel and advisors as necessary.
• Responsible for maintaining and improving internal tax processes, controls, and systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency across the tax function.
• Prepares or reviews disclosures for financial reporting purposes, and supports the finance team with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning as they relate to the firm’s tax position.
• Supervises and mentors tax department staff, fostering professional development and maintaining a high-performance team environment.
• Coordinates relationships with external tax advisors, auditors, and consultants, ensuring the firm receives high-quality, cost-effective advisory services.

Experience, Knowledge, and Education

Experience, Knowledge, and Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive tax experience is required, with at least five (5) years in a senior tax leadership role.
• Experience in a law firm, professional services firm, or partnership environment is strongly preferred.
• The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in partnership taxation, multi-state tax compliance, and tax planning for pass-through entities.
• Prior experience managing tax audits and working with taxing authorities is essential.

Technical Knowledge:

• The candidate must possess comprehensive knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, and applicable state and local tax laws, with particular emphasis on Subchapter K (partnership taxation).
• Familiarity with tax compliance and research software, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel are required.

Skills And Competencies:

• The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex tax issues and communicate them clearly to non-tax professionals and firm leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• The candidate must possess excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative, service-oriented approach and the ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the firm are critical.
• Sound professional judgment, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information are expected at all times.

Educational Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
• A master’s degree in taxation, an LL.M. in taxation, or an MBA with a concentration in tax is strongly preferred.
• An active CPA license is preferred.

We offer an excellent salary and benefits package. For more information, or to be considered for this position, please apply online at Response will be given to candidates who closely meet our qualifications. EOE M/F/D/V. No phone inquiries please.